Internet-focused standards organizations come together on open standards principles
September 5, 2012 —
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“We do recognize the formal processes of the international organizations. But we are saying here that there is a parallel path, one where global markets actually select the standards that will be deployed, and through that deployment, recognize those having global relevance and significance.”
“It's extremely valuable to have this framework of successful global standards development articulated in principles to highlight commonalities between organizations that might otherwise appear very different in form and process,” said Leslie Daigle, chief Internet technology officer for the Internet Society, an advocacy group. “And this will ultimately serve as a blueprint for new efforts of standardization in new areas of technology, enabling them to reach their own successful outcomes more quickly.”
The IAB, IEEE, IETF, Internet Society and W3C think these principles apply not just to the Internet and its standardization, but also to other sectors and industries. “This is a statement that says these principles have worked for the Internet, so you can trust them,” said Daniel Dardailler, the W3C’s international liaisons director. “It’s a very general message to the standards organizations landscape.”
Standards developed by the IEEE, IETF and W3C have led to the Internet that we know today. “These technical global standards were developed by many participants from all around the world using an open and transparent process,” said Russ Housley, chair of the IETF. “These voluntary standards are readily available to all implementers. These principles are appropriate to the development of standards in any discipline, not just Internet-related standards."
"The Internet is based on voluntary standards made available to all, chosen based on technical merit and deployment,” said Bernard Aboba, chair of the IAB. “The time has come for governments to recognize the importance of global interoperability, to embrace voluntary standards and to embrace the modern standards paradigm.”
The five OpenStand principles:
1. Cooperation
Respectful cooperation between standards organizations, whereby each respects the autonomy, integrity, processes, and intellectual property rules of the others.
2. Adherence to Principles
Adherence to the five fundamental principles of standards development:
• Due process: Decisions are made with equity and fairness among participants. No one party dominates or guides standards development. Standards processes are transparent and opportunities exist to appeal decisions. Processes for periodic standards review and updating are well defined.
• Broad consensus: Processes allow for all views to be considered and addressed, such that agreement can be found across a range of interests.
• Transparency: Standards organizations provide advance public notice of proposed standards-development activities, the scope of work to be undertaken, and conditions for participation. Easily accessible records of decisions and the materials used in reaching those decisions are provided. Public comment periods are provided before final standards approval and adoption.
• Balance: Standards activities are not exclusively dominated by any particular person, company or interest group.
• Openness: Standards processes are open to all interested and informed parties.
Related Search Term(s): open standards, IAB, IEEE, IETF, Internet Society, OpenStand, standards, W3C
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